Yan Xiao

Who is Yan Xiao?

Yan Xiao is an engineer and Professor of Civil Engineering at USC. He is best known for inventing structural uses for bamboo.

He describes his research interests as "seismic analysis and design of structures; experimental analysis of structures, components and materials, and implementation of new materials into structural design and retrofit."

In 2006, he developed a bamboo derived material known as GluBam that was strong enough to be used for beams and trusses. He was able to build a heavy use bridge, capable of supporting 8 tons, in Leiyang, Hunan, using the material. A principal advantage of GluBam is construction of large structures such as a bridge doesn't require heavy machinery. The bridge was assembled in a quick 10 days.

While on sabbatical in 2008, he created quick to build homes made from the material to be used as a rapid housing solution following the 2008 Sichuan earthquake which had left many homeless.